Bollywood has always been famous for its love stories, drama, and action, but there are some movies that take a step forward in portraying strong, independent women. These films go against the norms of society, depicting female leads who struggle for their rights, shatter the shackles of traditional expectations, and forge their own paths.From courtroom battles to personal revolutions, these movies celebrate fearlessness and empowerment. Here are five Bollywood movies that have fearless, independent women.
Mrs. (2025)
Mrs. (2025) is a Hindi-language drama film by Arati Kadav starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role. Adapted from the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021), the film is about Richa, a good dancer and dance instructor, who marries Diwakar, a rich doctor.But once married, she is caught in the perpetual loop of domestic work, cooking, cleaning, and playing the ‘perfect wife’ role.
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The film presents before us the bitter truth of a city family in which traditional norms hold sway and a woman’s wishes take second place. Richa tries her best to oblige her husband and in-laws, but all her dreams are turned down every time.
Mrs. is a courageous, provocative movie that brings to the forefront how women are supposed to ‘take care’ of their kith and kin without expecting anything back. It’s a stark reminder of individuality and self-respect, which leaves an indelible mark on audiences.
Queen (2013)
Queen (2013) is one of Bollywood’s most beloved self-discovery and independence films. Kangana Ranaut plays the lead role of Rani, and the film starts on a note of heartbreak—her fiancé cancels their wedding at the last minute. Far from mourning over the loss, she takes a life-altering decision: she goes on her honeymoon to Paris by herself.
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The film is a reflection of a society that often restricts women, yet Rani’s journey is proof that freedom and self-growth are possible. Struggling to navigate a foreign land with limited English, she finds herself forming unexpected friendships that help her rediscover joy.
The story beautifully showcases how travel and experiences can heal wounds, as Rani learns to embrace life on her own terms. Queen is a very inspirational story of how failures turn into stepping stones and take the move forward from what no longer serves you.
Darlings (2022)
A dark comedy with a powerful message, Darlings (2022) stars Alia Bhatt as Badru, a woman who is caught in a cycle of abuse in her marriage. Directed by Jasmeet K. Reen, the film examines the long-buried issue of domestic violence in so many homes. Badru, married to her alcoholic husband Hamza (played by Vijay Varma), suffers verbal and physical abuse every night.
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For so long, she suffers the pain, praying for change, until she has finally had enough. In a shocking twist of fate, Badru takes matters into her own hands, turning the table and asserting herself. The moviebeautifully captures the plight of women in abusive relationships as well as injecting moments of dark humor. Darlings is a vital and empowering film that highlights the courage it takes to escape abuse.
Thappad (2020)
Released in 2020, Thappad is not only a movie about domestic violence—it’s also a reflection on respect and relationships. Taapsee Pannu plays Amrita, whose seemingly perfect marriage is broken by one moment. At a party, Vikram, Amrita’s husband, slaps her out of anger.
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That one act of violence unsettles Amrita and makes her question everything—her love, her sacrifices, and her worth. A professional dancer, she had previously put her own aspirations aside to enable her husband’s career, but this experience compels her to claim back her self.
Requesting a divorce against family and social pressure, Amrita will not tolerate disrespect on the pretext of love. Thappad is a strong movie that conveys a strong message regarding emotional abuse, gender norms, and maintaining self-respect.
Bulbbul (2020)
A genre-bending mix of feminism and horror, Bulbbul (2020) is a hauntingly poignant story of resilience. Triptii Dimri plays the protagonist in the same name, with the film carrying the audience through 19th-century Bengal where a young woman is wed to an older gentleman. Through years of trauma, she becomes an enigmatic lady with an indefatigable spirit.
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As the village gets gripped with a cycle of brutal murders, rumors fly around of a chudail (witch). The movie excellently employs mythological lore to portray ingrained patriarchal subjugation as well as metamorphosis into power through agony. Although the slow-burn narrative may find takers elsewhere, Bulbbul appropriates the figure of the ‘witch’ as that of a manifestation of strength as well as fairness. It’s a must-watch for fans of dark, existential cinema.
Each of these movies presents a different path of independence and empowerment, demonstrating that the stories of women should be presented with depth, power, and authenticity.
